Armagh Planetarium hosted a limited immersive listening event for Phoebe Bridgers' new album Lost Weekend this week. The venue was one of two UK locations chosen for the global series, which pairs the 16-track record with curated nocturnal scenes by National Geographic night-sky photographer Babak Tafreshi. Four sold-out showings took place on Tuesday, with another four scheduled for Thursday.

Attendees were required to place phones and smart devices in magnetically sealed pouches that could only be opened after the event. Several fans said they welcomed the phone-free format because it prevented camera flashes and allowed them to switch off. One attendee from Armagh said she was pleased to see her hometown selected, noting that the city is not usually associated with contemporary events but that younger artists are now taking notice.

Fans travelled from outside Northern Ireland for the preview. Two attendees from County Waterford made a round trip of about three and a half hours each way. They already held tickets for Bridgers' sold-out Dublin shows in November but wanted an early listen. Another fan who travelled from County Meath described the experience as having both human and cosmic qualities, saying some songs were calm and emotionally affecting.

The album is Bridgers' first solo release in six years. It follows her group project boygenius and has attracted attention for its lyrical themes. Several attendees said they related to the songwriting, with one fan saying the lyrics reflect stages of growing up and life. Another said the visuals linked well with the music and lyrics.

Heather Alexander from Armagh Planetarium said the venue had received unprecedented demand for the event, with phones ringing constantly in the days leading up to it. She said it was an honour to host the show and that it put Armagh on the map for collaborations. Alexander added that the planetarium is open to similar immersive events with other artists.